Springfield Isotopes | Simpsons Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia The Springfield Isotopes are Springfield 's only minor league baseball team. Profile The team is shown as drastically underfunded and struggling in competition. Their home games are played at Duff Stadium as Duff Beer sponsors and co-manages the team. The Isotopes name is most likely in reference to Springfield's nuclear power plant . Homer Simpson was the Isotopes mascot for a brief period, taking over from the Capital City Goofball, before being fired. The Team Cap Players include Flash Baylor , Fishbone Walker , Smash Diggins , Buck Mitchell and Babe Ruth IV . Potential Relocation The low quality of the team combined with its financial difficulties has prompted management to consider moving the team. After the team was sold to the Duff corporation (from the Mafia, and according to Moe the last of the family-owned teams), Homer once learned that there were plans to move the team to Albuquerque, and staged a hunger strike to prevent it. Springfield become aware of their plans to move the team due to Homer's efforts and their premature roll-out of food packaging with "Albuquerque Isotopes" written on them. Albuquerque decides to change the decision to move the team.

Appearances Springfield Isotopes - Wikisimpsons, the Simpsons Wiki Springfield Isotopes The Springfield Isotopes are Springfield 's only minor league baseball team. Contents Profile[ edit ] The team plays at the Double-A level [1] and is often shown as drastically underfunded and struggling in competition. Their home games are played at Duff Stadium as Duff Beer sponsors and co-manages the team, but they also play at the Springfield War Memorial Stadium and at the Isotope Stadium . The Isotopes name is most likely in reference to Springfield's nuclear power plant . Homer Simpson was the Isotopes mascot for a brief period, before taking over from the Capital City Goofball, before being fired. Players include Flash Baylor , Fishbone Walker , Smash Diggins , Bill McCloskey , Buck Mitchell and Babe Ruth IV . The team has been owned by several Springfield corporations, originally Laramie Cigarettes owned the team, some time later the Springfield Mafia bought the team then the Isotopes were sold to Duff . Potential relocation[ edit ] The low quality of the team combined with its financial difficulties has prompted management to consider moving the team.

Homer once learned that the there were plans to move the team to Albuquerque , and staged a hunger strike to prevent it. Springfield become aware of their plans to move the team due to Homer's efforts and their premature roll-out of food packaging with "Albuquerque Isotopes" written on them. Albuquerque decides to change the decision to move the team. Baseball in Albuquerque and the Springfield Isotopes | Albuquerque Innsights Green Chili Cheese Burger – An New Mexico MUST do! » Baseball in Albuquerque and Springfield’s Isotopes Albuquerque, Baseball, The Simpsons, what do these things all have in common? A really good story, and it’s all about how Albuquerque’s current Triple A Baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes , got their name from an episode of the Simpsons. How did this happen? Let me tell you…but first – for you baseball fans – here is the important info. Albuquerque’s long time AAA team, the Albuquerque Dukes – named for the Duke of Albuquerque and the City’s nickname, The Duke City – were the farm team for the LA Dodgers. They left us in 2000 over disputes about the condition of the stadium, (which was in need of a serious upgrade), and other reasons.

The City decided that in order to attract another team they has better renovate the stadium and they did a fine job on it; good enough to coax a new farm team, the Calgary Cannons – affiliates of the Florida Marlins team, to Albuquerque. How did they become the Isotopes? The Albuquerque Tribune held a contest and the name, “Isotopes” won with write-in ballots. They are no longer a farm team of the Marlins, but instead the LA Dodgers again as of 2009. I guess they got what they wanted – it just took them 9 years. Love is forever. If you would like to see an Isotopes game during your trip to Albuquerque, here is the site with the Isotopes Yearly Schedule . The stadium is only 5.8 miles from our A lbuquerque Bed and Breakfast , and the map to get there is below. Let’s play ball with Homer… Episode 15 of Season 12 of the Simpsons, was called Hungry, Hungry, Homer, and it first aired on March 4, 2001.

The plot centered around Homer overhearing a conversation, seeing some incrimination evidence and discovering a secret – that Springfield’s beloved baseball team, the Isotopes, were leaving Springfield for Albuquerque, NM – but no one would believe him and the evidence disappeared. Homer went on a hunger strike in hopes of exposing the plan, and he was chained to a pole in the baseball stadium getting thinner every day. Duff (BEER) Corporation, (their CEO is the team owner) is bored with Homer and decides to use him as an attraction and during a game. They unchain him and tempt him with hot dogs (now with a southwestern sauce!) Homer notices the sauce and that the hot dog wrappers have a new team name and logo – Albuquerque Isotopes. This was the evidence Homer had seen before, so the plot was finally revealed and Homer is the hero. As it turns out in the end, Albuquerque’s Mayor decides to acquire the Dallas Cowboys instead, and will make them play baseball.

In the very last clip of the episode he declares his reason… ” because I AM THE MAYOR OF ALBUQUERQUE.” This cracks me up because the Mayor of Albuquerque in 2001 was Martin Chavez, and he was thought of by many citizens of the Duke City to be a controlling egomaniac. I’m also amused that this episode ending was cut in all future reruns of the episode in America, but not in foreign countries. Apparently, Burqueños love the Simpsons. Please come join us at the ballpark, but if you go to a game, and hear the call to cheer, don’t yell, “charge!” In Albuquerque we yell, “Marge!” 25 funny Fantasy Baseball team names for the 2016 season 25 funny Fantasy Baseball team names for the 2016 season Zack Pearson Springfield Isotopes Pay tribute to “The Simpsons” by naming your team after Springfield’s only minor league team. The team played at Duff Stadium and was once threatening to move to Albuquerque, causing Homer to go on a hunger strike. IFC Bartolo Colon-oscopy He’s everyone’s favorite pitcher, and he’s back for another season with the New York Mets.

Starter Bartolo Colon might be the forgotten man in the Mets star-powered rotation this year, but he’s always a joy to watch pitch and hit. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images J-Hey Kids This one is a spin on new Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward and Krusty the Clown’s signature phrase. Use this as a team name to get a laugh out of Cubs and “Simpsons” fans in your league. Jamie Squire/Getty Images 50 Shades of Sonny Gray The romantic novel and film is combined with Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray to make this awesome name. You may want to draft Gray if he’s available, too. Ralph Freso/Getty Images Sit Your Buxton Down! Minnesota’s Byron Buxton is ready to break out in his second year in the big leagues, so why not name your team after a rising superstar? Leon Halip/Getty Images It’s Teheran up my heart Who doesn’t love some classic ‘90s boyband music? This name is a mashup of Atlanta Braves pitcher Julio Teheran and the classic *NSYNC song “Tearin’ Up My Heart.” Kevin C.

Cox/Getty Images Eaton disorder The Chicago White Sox have already had one major problem in the clubhouse during spring training . But an Adam Eaton disorder isn’t one of them. Get it? Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Can’t Cutch This The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to rebound after another disappointing loss in the NL Wild Card game. Their season will be heavily based on outfielder Andrew McCutchen’s play, thus creating this team name mixed with a little MC Hammer. Jared Wickerham/Getty Images Kershawshank Redemption Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw didn’t win the Cy Young award last season, and he’s out for redemption. This creates the perfect name based on one of the all-time greatest movies: “The Shawshank Redemption.” Jamie Squire/Getty Images Lawn Mauers Summertime means ice cold drinks, baseball games, the sun and yard work. Why not combine a few and turn your fantasy team name into a combination of baseball and that pesky chore we don’t like to do? This name takes on Minnesota’s Joe Mauer who knows a thing or two about yard work as he’s hit 119 career home runs.

Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images The Utley Ducklings Infielder Chase Utley had one of the uglier plays in the 2015 MLB postseason when he slid into New York’s Ruben Tejada. Thus giving birth to the “Utley Ducklings” for your fantasy team name. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Grand Theft Votto The classic video game series gets a new touch in the form of Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto. Draft Votto and hopefully ride him all the way to your league championship instead of getting robbed for it. Christian Petersen/Getty Images Come Sale Away This one is a classic year in and year out. The White Sox ace pitcher will hopefully help you sail your way into the playoffs and a league championship. If not, you could see it sailing away from you. Jon Durr/Getty Images Stuck in the Middle With Yu Another classic song gets mixed with an MLB player to create a great fantasy team name. Merge the song “Stuck in the Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel with Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images New Joc City Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson had a great start to the 2015 season before seeing a dip in the second half of the year. He’s still one of the better outfield prospects out there for the 2016 fantasy season. This name uses Yung Joc’s hit album “New Joc City” and the outfielder. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Sippin’ on gin Andrus Another classic song gets the fantasy baseball treatment with the help of a player. This one is based off of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” and Texas Rangers second baseman Elvis Andrus. Mike Stone/Getty Images Tampa Bay Carly Raes Still can’t get Carly Rae Jepson’s “Call Me Maybe” out of your head? Then this is the perfect fantasy team name for you. Especially if you have a few Tampa Bay Rays players on your roster this season Photo by Scott Iskowitz/Getty Images The Price is Wright This is another classic that can be used time and time again.

This one works well if you’re a David Price and David Wright fan or a fan of the show “The Price is Right.” And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that show? Maddie Meyer/Getty Images Springfield Isotopes Pay tribute to “The Simpsons” by naming your team after Springfield’s only minor league team. The team played at Duff Stadium and was once threatening to move to Albuquerque, causing Homer to go on a hunger strike. IFC Miggy Mouse Club Slugger Miguel Cabrera is once again ranked as one of the top fantasy players going into the 2016 season. If you land him in an early round, this is the perfect name for your team, especially if you have a little one that likes to follow along. Stacy Revere/Getty Images Cool Hand Lucroy While Jonathan Lucroy had a disappointing 2015 season, he’s back with the Milwaukee Brewers in hopes of getting back on track. Combine Lucroy with the classic movie “Cool Hand Luke” and what do you have? An awesome fantasy baseball team name. That’s what.

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images The Balking Dead Balks could really come back to haunt a pitcher in a game and so can zombies from the AMC show “The Walking Dead.” Put these two together, and you’ll have a great team name for the upcoming season. Doug Pensinger/Getty Images A Puig of Their Own Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is surely a one-of-a-kind player and has been since he entered the league a few years ago. He’s provided fans with some pretty awesome and questionable moments, making this team name perfect for him. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Obi Wan Jacoby “Star Wars” made its return in late 2015 so there’s no better time to incorporate it with fantasy baseball. This name uses the movie series and New York Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury to create a name that the geeks in your league will love. Darren McCollester/Getty Images Fielder of Dreams Texas Rangers slugger Prince Fielder has a dream of winning the World Series. You have a dream of winning a fantasy baseball title. We can’t promise either of those will come true but with a name like this, at least you’re trying.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images Honey Nut Ichiros It’s the cereal you either love or you hate, but you should probably eat it anyways since it’s healthy. But for this team name we are putting a twist on it and adding Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki to complete it. Stacy Revere/Getty Images The 10 Best Simpsons Sports Episodes | Bleacher Report The 10 Best Simpsons Sports Episodes Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow So long, Wonderbat. Comments Twenty-three years... Not too old if you're a tree, but for a television show? That's an eternity. Heck, most hope to make it a fraction of that time. Twenty-three years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like Creamsicles, Ozzie Canseco had hopes of a successful big-league career, and Bryce Harper was still nearly three years away from being born. In those nearly two and a half decades, an animated institution, "The Simpsons," has and continues to leave its mark in the history books of classic American television.

A cartoon that started off about a crudely-drawn yellow suburban family with a bratty son and oaf father has journeyed into space, feuded with a president and managed to feature three living Beatles as guests. It really seems like the Springfield family has done it all in those 23 years, and don't think they haven't dipped their golden toes into the sports world as well. They've hung around with Hall of Famers, All-Stars, Olympic champions and the Capital City Goofball. Outside of a game itself, "The Simpsons" has provided us with some of the most memorable comical sporting moments in television history. Part of the charm of the show is that despite all those wacky antics and mad-cap adventures, they're just like your family and mine: a bit goofy, a bit silly, a bit out of left field, but always loving, funny and genuine. When you're successful for nearly a quarter century, you've become a rock; something dependable, something that's always there, not unlike the crack of the bat on a Saturday afternoon or the roar of a crowd at a football game on a crisp Sunday in October.

When you think about it, it only seems natural that some of the greatest episodes are when the family and sports come together. So let's take a walk down memory lane and look back at the "Pin Pals," "Dancin' Homer," Steve Sax's arrest and all the most memorable sporting moments in the great history of "The Simpsons." Air Date: Jan. 31, 1999 Written By: Tom Martin, George Meyer, Brian Scully, Mike Scully Directed By: Steven Dean Moore Homer and the men of Springfield fill a charter bus for a free ride to Miami for the Super Bowl. When they discover their cracker-printed tickets are counterfeit, the group must figure out a way inside the stadium. That means they were able to witness John Elway's long-awaited arrival into Super Bowl MVP territory. It also means they had to watch a Cher halftime show. Can't win 'em all. John Madden and Pat Summerall also guest starred.

Notable Quote "But this might be my last chance to win one!"—Homer Simpson, after being caught trying to steal the Super Bowl trophy Air Date: March 4, 2001 Written By: John Swartzwelder Directed By: Nancy Kruse Homer's pursuit to "stand up for the little guy" leads him to uncover evidence that Duff Beer, owner of the local minor-league-baseball team, the Springfield Isotopes, is planning to move them to Albuquerque. His fasting protest is soon compromised when Duff moves him inside the park as a promotional stunt. Rumor has it no one tried the same trick when the Montreal Expos were planning to move. Notable Quote "That's crazy. It would've been on a talk radio show like 'Sports Chat' or 'Sportszilla and the Jabber Jocks.'"—Kirk Van Houten Air Date: Nov. 8, 1990 Written By: Ken Levine and David Isaacs Directed By: Mark Kirkland The Springfield Nuclear Power Plant hosts a family night at the local minor-league ballpark.

After sharing some oversized beverages with his boss, a drunk Homer hoists himself onto the dugout, dances up a storm and quickly becomes the team's official mascot. The team goes on a winning streak, but Homer's eventual call to the big leagues turns into a disaster, as the big-city crowd is unimpressed with his minor-league antics. Turns out the Phillie Phanatic has a tougher job than we initially thought. Notable Quote "Ah, sitting with the employees. I guess this proves I'm their friend. You did get me something on an aisle, Smithers. I don't want to be surrounded by them."—Mr. Burns Air Date: Nov. 15, 1990 Written By: Jeff Martin Directed By: Rich Moore Fore! Well, close, it's No. 5. Homer jealously blows up and mocks Ned Flanders and his perfect family, leading to a wager between the fathers when their sons sign up for a children's miniature golf tournament. Homer teaches Bart to channel his anger towards his opponent, while Lisa uses mediation and spiritual teachings to help Bart's game. The boys learn a valuable lesson that there's more to sports than just winning.

Notable Quote "Come on, Bart! Remember what Vince Lombardi said: 'If you lose, you're out of the family!'"—Homer Simpson 4. "The Homer They Fall" Air Date: Nov. 10, 1996 Written By: Jonathan Collier Directed By: Mark Kirkland Moe the Bartender, a failed boxer, becomes impressed with Homer's ability to withstand a nonstop barrage of punishment. To Marge's reluctance, he convinces Homer to become a boxer and takes on the job of his manager and agent. Homer's matches start off well, as the local hobos exhaust themselves against him, but when Moe's former agent sets up a match with the current heavyweight champion, they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Ring announcer Michael Buffer guest stars. Notable Quote "They called me Kid Gorgeous. Later on, it was Kid Presentable. Then Kid Gruesome. And finally, Kid Moe."—Moe Szyslak Air Date: Nov.

13, 1994 Written By: Mike Scully Directed By: Bob Anderson Lisa, in fear that she may fail her first class ever, must sign up for an organized sport to pass her gym class. As it turns out, she has a surprising talent for playing hockey and becomes the goalie for Apu's team. Thanks to pressure from Homer, a sibling rivalry develops between her and Bart, star of Chief Wiggum's team. Things come to a head when the opposing teams face off in a championship battle. Any episode that ends with an animated pee wee hockey riot deserves the No. 2 spot on this list. Notable Quote "Lisa, if the Bible has taught us nothing else, and it hasn't, it's that girls should stick to girls' sports, such as hot-oil wrestling, foxy boxing and such-and-such..."—Homer Simpson 1. "Homer at the Bat" Air Date: Feb. 20, 1992 Written By: John Swartzwelder Directed By: Jim Reardon Perhaps the greatest episode of "The Simpsons" ever aired. After making a million-dollar wager, Mr.

Burns hires a group of professional baseball players as ringers for the Nuclear Power Plant softball team. Unfortunately, all but one of the players are sidelined by unfortunate and bizarre accidents (Ozzie Smith falling into a mystery dimension portal, Ken Griffey Jr. overdosing on nerve tonic, etc...) leaving the original ragtag team to contend for the championship title and Mr. Burns' money. An example of a show where the guest stars didn't overshadow the story or the comedy, "Homer at the Bat" featured appearances by former MLB greats Don Mattingly, Darryl Strawberry, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ken Griffey Jr., Steve Sax, Ozzie Smith, Mike Scioscia and Jose Canseco. Ryne Sandberg and Carlton Fisk turned down appearances for the episode. Terry Cashman provided the closing song, "Talkin' Softball," which he claims is now more requested than his original classic, "Talkin' Baseball." 'The Simpsons' inspires baseball team name [Archive] - GreekChat.com Forums 09-06-2002, 12:03 PM ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (Reuters) -- Doh!

Homer Simpson's worst fears are coming true, sort of. As you may recall, Simpson went on a hunger strike last year when it was revealed on the cartoon series that his beloved baseball team, the Springfield Isotopes, were moving to Albuquerque to become the Albuquerque Isotopes. Now it's happening for real. The new team that will take the field in Albuquerque next year will be called the Isotopes in homage to Homer. The Isotopes, however, will not be coming from Homer's hometown, the fictional Springfield, but from the real city of Calgary. The team called the Calgary Cannons is a Triple-A, Pacific Coast League affiliate of the Florida Marlins and will move to New Mexico next year. "In bringing baseball back to Albuquerque, we wanted to bring something that was fun, that was playful," Cannons president Ken Young said on Wednesday. Albuquerque had a Triple-A team called the Dukes, which left the city for Portland about three years ago. A newly renovated stadium that features a drive-in section where fans can watch the game from their cars will open in April with the new season. The stadium is a few miles from the Sandia National Lab, which the state's Environment Department said is home to a notorious nuclear waste site.

Although a local newspaper poll showed strong support for the Isotopes name, the mayor of Albuquerque was not amused. "This isn't a second-rate city that should be taking our name from a cartoon show," Mayor Marin Chavez told reporters upon hearing the name for the new local team. Writers for the long-running Fox series reacted with glee. "I'd like to know how much money we make off it," said Al Jean, a writer and executive producer for "The Simpsons." "And I hope we also get a Duff beer concession for the new team," he said, referring to Homer's favorite fictive refreshment. "I hope they play better than Homer does," Jean added vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2017, vBulletin Solutions, Inc. #Popups: Quirks of Albuquerque | Baseball Hall of Fame Baseball Hall of Fame More #PopUps Baseball and pop culture have intersected in America for more than a century. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum takes a look at these cross-over stars and events in our web feature #PopUps. In the last installment of #PopUps, we examined the Simpsons episode “Homer at the Bat”.

In this installment, we continue to look at the Simpson family and their hometown baseball team, the Springfield Isotopes. We first learn of the Springfield Isotopes in Season 2 of the Simpsons: The Double-A ball club debuted in Episode 5 which aired Nov. 8, 1990. Homer tells the other regulars at Moe’s Tavern about his big chance that he blew in baseball – working as a mascot. The Isotopes were on a 27-game losing streak, and looking to lose game 28 when Homer danced to the song “Baby Elephant Walk”. His dance energized the crowd and players, leading to the Isotopes breaking the streak. Homer is then made a mascot for the team and is known as “Dancin’ Homer”. The Isotopes continue to win until Homer is called up to the big leagues. The Capital City team promotes Homer, who packs up his family and moves to Capital City. There, Homer must work with legendary mascot The Capital City Goofball, who looks surprisingly like the Philly Phanatic. However, Homer’s Antics are not appreciated by the Capital City fans and Homer is sacked before the end of his first game.

The Philadelphia Phillies' mascot, the Philly Phanatic, jumping on a trampoline during a game. (MLB / National Baseball Hall of Fame) Share this image: Share on facebook Share on twitter While the Isotopes appear in many episodes over the next decade, none ties in with the real world more than Episode 15 of Season 12, which aired on March 4, 2001. Homer, in a rare mood, decides to become a crusader for “the little guy”. After helping his daughter finish a puzzle by buying a deliberately missing piece, helping his son get a date to the dance, and helping his wife’s beautician with his finances, Homer goes to Duff Stadium (named after Duff Beer/the Duff Family), home of the Isotopes, in hopes of getting a refund for his friend Lenny. Lenny was upset because of how badly the Isotopes were playing. Isotope Park, home of the Albuquerque Isotopes. BL-305-2010-0046 (Gary Jarvis / National Baseball Hall of Fame Library) Share this image: Share on facebook Share on twitter While speaking with Isotopes owner Howard K.

Duff VIII, Homer saw evidence that the Isotopes were planning to move to Albuquerque. Duff denies that the team is moving and gets his “muscle” (Duff Beer mascot Duff Man) to silence Homer. Homer then went to multiple media outlets with the news, but was ignored due to a lack of evidence. Finally, Homer decided to go on a hunger-strike and chain himself to the outside of the stadium to raise awareness. After his hunger-strike drew a large crowd, Mr. Duff moved Homer inside the stadium and used him as a promotion, known as Hungry, Hungry Homer. After 12 days, Homer became too thin and smelly, so the team decided to release him. In a public unchaining ceremony, Homer was offered a hot dog by Mr. Duff. Sticking to the episode’s theme of Homer acting uncharacteristically, Homer observantly noticed that the hot dog had Southwest toppings on it. The fans then noticed the packaging that said Albuquerque Isotopes. Homer finally had the proof he needed to prove the team’s plan to relocate. The grateful fans showered their hero, Homer, in food which he quickly and gratefully ate.

Join Shop Interestingly, the final scene of the episode was cut from the American version, yet aired in other countries. This version, now available in the US in the 12th season Simpsons box set, shows the Mayor of Albuquerque saying that the Isotopes will not be moving so they must “steal another baseball team.” He then states that he is interested in the Dallas Cowboys. When told that the Cowboys are a football team, he responds with “They’ll play what I tell ‘em to play, for I am the Mayor of Albuquerque.” "They'll play what I tell 'em to play" The best part about the Springfield/Albuquerque Isotopes is that this is a case where pop culture impacted baseball. The episode “Hungry, Hungry Homer” was written by former Tidewater Tides broadcaster Ken Levine. When the Calgary Cannons moved to New Mexico in 2003, the teams allowed fans to vote on the team name. The Albuquerque version of the Calgary Cannon franchise would be the Isotopes. Fans overwhelmingly voted for the Isotopes name, as it netted 67 percent of the 120,000 votes cast.

Not only is the team name popular due to The Simpsons connection, but also fits the region. As the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, and Trinity Test Site are all near Albuquerque, and all are related to atomic research in some form, it is a rather fitting name. The Isotopes have embraced their Simpsons namesake. Fans visiting Isotopes Park (also known as The Lab) can find statues of Marge, Bart, Homer, and Lisa Simpson at various locations around the stadium. Also, the team has found their name to be quite popular internationally due to the show. Additionally, the Albuquerque Journal reported that in the first three weeks that Isotopes merchandise was available for purchase, the team sold more merchandise than the former Albuquerque Dukes did in their best year of sales. This is impressive as sales started before the season even began. This #Popups took another fun look at The Simpsons. This just goes to show, you never know when pop culture may have an impact on baseball. Also, you never know where the Simpson family may pop up.

Nate Tweedie is the manager of on-site learning at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum More #PopUps Springfield - Wikisimpsons, the Simpsons Wiki Springfield This article is about the town. For the state capital, see Springfield, Illinois . Springfield c. 1649 (as Sprungfield), c. 1796 (as Springfield) Incorporated: "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man" Mayor: 2,088,723 km ( West Springfield is three times the size of Texas) [2] Elevation: 1,582 ft (482 m) [3] Population: Area code: 939 and 636 [4] Springfield is the city where the Simpson family lives. It is located near Shelbyville , Capital City , Ogdenville , and North Haverbrook in a state whose name is never mentioned . The evidence is sufficiently contradictory that it cannot be identified with a specific state. Its population is estimated to be about 30,720. It is known as a twin city to Shelbyville .

The town has often been dubbed as the, or at a stretch, one of, America 's worst towns and according to Marge it's "America's Crud Bucket", as well as being the World's Fattest Town. One story said is was founded in 1796 by Jebediah Springfield , a.k.a. Hans Sprungfeld, and a band of fiercely determined pioneers out of Maryland who set off after misinterpreting a passage in The Bible, Springfield seems to be a small city rather than a megalopolis. [5] Another story said it was founded in 1821 by Springfield leading a band of 34 Dutch settlers in search of a nice place to live. [6] When Jebediah died he split Springfield between his two sons, Obadiah and Zechariah Springfield . The city was later rejoined but never officially. When Lisa Simpson discovered that the rejoining was not official, the town was split into two parts again, but it was later rejoined again.

[7] Its features include one nuclear power plant ; two elementary schools; a minor league all-star baseball stadium ; an airport ; a harbor ; a downtown district ; a large tire yard (burning since 1966); a ghetto; a Russian district ; its own Little Italy ; several specialized shopping districts, Moe's Tavern , Barney's Bowl-A-Rama and a Chinatown . Springfield's nearest neighboring town is Shelbyville. There is a strong rivalry between the towns, dating back to a rivalry between their founders—Jebediah Springfield and Shelbyville Manhattan . Manhattan wanted to found a city where men were free to marry their cousins, but Springfield refused to allow it, so Shelbyville was founded as a rival town. [8] The story of the dispute between Jebediah Springfield and Shelbyville Manhattan contains faint references to the historical stories of the deal between Asa Lovejoy and William Overton to file a land claim, and the dispute between Lovejoy and Francis W. Pettygrove over the name of Portland, Oregon. Springfield has been called America's crud basket. It's an ever growing city, despite all the disasters that happen in the town.

Contents The Statue of Jebediah Springfield Springfield originally existed before 1649 as Sprynge-Fielde, founder and foundation period unknown. In its early days, the city was the target of many Native American Indian raids, and to this day many forts and trading posts remain (including Fort Springfield and Fort Sensible ). It was also the site of two battles during the American Civil War. After the city was founded should the population determine what the town would be called, there was a tie between Maudville and Blister City. In Jebediah Springfield first official act as a mayor broke the tied and named the town to Springfield in honor of his father. [6] The second (or official) founder of Springfield was pioneer Jebediah Springfield, widely celebrated in the town as a brave and proud American hero. He famously once killed a bear with his bare hands, and this deed is immortalized in a bronze statue in front of the city hall. However, revisionist historians have since determined that the bear in fact probably killed Springfield, and not vice-versa. The town motto "a noble spirit embiggens the smallest man" is attributed to Jebediah.

Lisa Simpson later discovered that Jebediah Springfield was in fact Hans Sprungfeld, a murderous pirate and enemy of George Washington, but eventually decided that the myth of Springfield should be preserved for the inspiration it gives to people and did not reveal her findings. [5] During the early 1900s, Springfield started a holiday named " Whacking Day " with the intention of beating up Irish immigrants in Springfield, and eventually transformed into an event where Springfield's denizens beat several snakes to death. In the mid-20th century, the city reached perhaps the pinnacle of its success when it became the home of the Aquacar, a car which could be driven in water like a boat. At this point, the city's streets were literally paved with gold. But unfortunately, this economy collapsed when it was discovered that the Aquacar was prone to spontaneous explosion after 600 miles and/or knots. [9] The town has never really recovered from this tragedy (the gold was reportedly shipped to the Sultan of Brunei to encase one of his many elephant herds), but some heavy industry remains in the town, including factories for Ah, Fudge!

chocolate, fireworks, candy, children's cartoons , toys , Spirographs, crackers , peanuts, fake vomit, pillows, apple cider , and boxes , as well as a steel mill . During Homer Simpson 's tenure as Springfield's Sanitation Commissioner, however, the whole town was relocated "five miles down the road" and reformed, as the previous location had become flooded with garbage and waste due to Homer's allowing other cities to dump their garbage into the mines that run under the town. Mysteriously, the move was only mentioned once: when Lisa remarked with surprise that they even allowed the casino to come with them when they moved the town while watching its demolition. [10] The town was later moved again, then to the " The Outlands ". [11] Springfield was nearly chosen as the host for the Summer Olympic Games, but Bart Simpson 's antics angered representatives from the IOC. [12] It was also nearly awarded an NFL franchise team, The Springfield Meltdowns, but Abraham Simpson attacked the commissioner - mistaking him for a burglar - while he was trying to use the Simpsons' phone. Bart accidentally moons the U.S. flag, and the Simpsons appear on a talk show to explain the matter.

However, the show's host makes it appear that Springfield hates America. When the rest of the U.S. reciprocates this loathing, Mayor Quimby changes the name of Springfield to "Liberty-Ville". An enormous patriotic craze ensues, wherein all items are priced at $17.76, even houses. [13] The town has split at least twice. Once based on area code changes, into New Springfield and Olde Springfield (Not to be confused with the historical site/tourist center of the same name ). At one point in the town's history, gambling was legalized due to an economic slump. To attract more people into the town, Springfield legalized gay marriage.

The majority of the populace is also quite horrible at paying tax returns, with the majority of the population waiting until the last possible day to file their tax returns as evidenced by the huge amount of lines at the Post Office on Tax Day, with some even mistaking it for a Metallica concert line, some hiring accountants who are just as bad as themselves in regards to paying taxes on time, and some even falsifying many of their actual expenditures while undergoing a last minute rundown on tax returns, misshaping the envelope containing the tax returns, and eventually being arrested by the FBI/IRS for severe audits. [14] Mayor Quimby apparently allows Montgumery Burns so much legal freedom because he is the towns sole tax payer. [15] Trappuccino[ edit ] Lisa Simpson and Colin spearheaded an effort to clean Lake Springfield , which was heavily polluted. After a town-wide cleanup, the lake was polluted again single handily by Homer Simpson , who dumped a large silo of "pig crap" into the lake, polluting it to unsurpassed levels.

To keep the pollution from spreading to other towns, Russ Cargill , head of the EPA, convinced President Arnold Schwarzenegger to seal Springfield inside a gigantic dome (built by a company owned by Cargill). During that time, the town fell into ruin and was plagued by power shortages ( Mr. Burns refused to give free power) and lack of supplies. The town was trapped under the dome for more than ninety-three days. The dome was later destroyed by Homer and Bart Simpson, and the town was repaired and rebuilt. Later history[ edit ] Springfield eventually fell into a massive economic crisis that resulted in several large cutbacks, as well as forcing several of the citizens to move to Detroit to find better job opportunities. Geography and climate[ edit ] Geography[ edit ] Springfield's geography includes big Mountains maybe part of Rocky Mountains and a lot of hills, gorges , giant redwood trees, a desert, a forest, lakes, rivers and a volcano. It is located on the coast of a large body of water, possibly an ocean.

It has also been stated that "West Springfield" is 3 times the size of Texas, and looks exactly like Texas in shape (although, in theory, this could be referring to a nearby town of Texas, such as the non-fictional Texas, New Jersey or Texas, Wisconsin). Cityscape[ edit ] The city is divided into a number of districts, including Skid Row , the Lower East Side (a Jewish neighborhood), Springfield Heights , Bum Town, East Springfield , Recluse Ranch Estates , Junkieville , Pressboard Estates , Springfield Squidport , Little Newark , Crackton , a Russian district , West Springfield , Tibet Town , Waverly Hills , Little Italy , and a gay district . For a brief period, Springfield divided itself into two cities, Olde Springfield and New Springfield, on the basis of an area code division. Wealthy Olde Springfield, with Mayor Quimby, anchorman Kent Brockman , and bullies such as Nelson Muntz , was separated from the rest of Springfield by a wall that was erected by poor New Springfield. Mayor Quimby maintained control of Olde Springfield while Homer Simpson ran New Springfield. The cities were later re-united through a concert by The Who.

The city's Main Street is in a pitiful state of disrepair, owing to citizens driving along it while carrying excessively heavy weights and leaving snow chains on their tires after the snow has melted. Some of the potholes have become so wide that entire cars and trucks can (and have) fallen into them. [16] Climate[ edit ] Springfield is located in an area that receives rain and snow. Most of the time the skies are blue and mostly sunny. Springfield is also subject to a number of natural disasters including avalanches, earthquakes, acid rain, floods, hurricanes, lightning strikes, tornadoes, and volcanic eruptions. Pollution[ edit ] Visitors from elsewhere are advised to constantly wear radiation suits and carry Geiger counters, since the city is perhaps the most radioactive in the U.S. This is because the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant was built during an incredibly lax period for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in which the plant's nuclear core was surrounded not by several layers of protective concrete and graphite but by ordinary plaster with a horseshoe hanging from a nail. Also, management apparently gives employees benefits for storing nuclear waste in buildings; in some episodes, barrels of waste have been seen in the Simpsons' basement.

Also perhaps due to this, the book reports that international law forbids shipping produce from Springfield; those who do venture into a local supermarket or farmer's market may find that it gives off a barely audible hum. Springfield is also "proudly" home to the state's largest tire fire, which has been continuously burning for approximately 42 years, which does nothing to improve the air quality. Springfieldians have a very uncaring attitude towards the environment. The Springfield Shopper is proud of the fact that they use absolutely no recycled material in their paper. Even the mention of the word can cause one of the town residents to pass out from boredom, or at least slam the door in the face of plucky little girls concerned about the state of their town without a second thought, or even throw anything they can get their hands on at the Green Day raft just for saying that they wanted to talk about it. In fact, the only time they even seemed to care is literally when they drink it. There have also been instances of accidental pollution, such as when Captain Horatio McCallister once crashed an oil tanker around the Springfield coast in a drunken stupor.

McCallister also, while still drunk, seemed to think there was no way out of the predicament until he suggested to a newscaster to take the blame for him in the middle of a live broadcast. People and culture[ edit ] The geographic location of Springfield is never stated, but Springfield is generally considered to depict, in a lampooning manner, "bread-and-butter" Middle America, culturally somewhere between a suburb and a small town. Springfieldians are not, for the most part, cosmopolitan, and most are of lower-middle to middle income. The "small-town nastiness" of Springfield is made evident by a benighted tradition of "snake-whacking" whereby, annually, Springfieldians bludgeon snakes to death. Lisa Simpson, disgusted by this activity, encourages the people of Springfield to quit the tradition with the aid of soul singer Barry White . Springfieldians have a very bad reputation. As described by Dr. Hibbert , it is a town where the smartest have no power and the stupidest run everything.

A fairly accurate statement considering that the offices of police chief and mayor respectively are run by clearly incompetent and corrupt individuals, those few who are competent in official positions are soon replaced by other incompetents, such as former trash commissioner Ray Patterson being kicked out of office to be replaced by Homer Simpson. TIME magazine once did a cover story on Springfield entitled "America's Worst City," and Newsweek has referred to the city as "America's Crud Bucket," the town actually has a billboard saying it is the "Meanest town in America." Most citizens are very stupid, overweight, and also quick to anger, though it should be noted that Shelbyville residents are even stupider and more backwards. There is a riot almost every month. Springfield also has a strange smell that is uncomfortable to new residents. It is usually about six weeks before they adjust. Springfield is also the first United States city to abandon the Metric system. It is noted by the Duff Book of World Records as the World's Fattest Town [17] which they are quite proud of.

Springfield is home to people of many races, cultures, and creeds, including European-Americans (the Simpson , Flanders , and Van Houten families), African-Americans (the Hibbert family, Carl Carlson ), Latinos ( Bumblebee Man ), South Asians ( Apu and his family, " Two Guys From Kabul ") and East Asians ( Cookie Kwan , Akira ). There is a large gap between wealthy citizens (such as Krusty the Clown and Mr. Burns), and poor citizens (Nelson Muntz, Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel ). The population is about 40,000. Crime[ edit ] There are a surprising number of prisons in Springfield, including Springfield Penitentiary , Springwood Minimum Security Prison , Springfield Women's Prison , Springfield Juvenile Correctional Facility , Morningwood Penitentiary and Montgomery Burns State Penitentiary . Springfield Elementary School was even once semi-converted into a prison. The Springfield Police Department , led by Police Chief Clancy Wiggum , is a largely corrupt and incompetent organization, according to Wiggum they only have enough manpower to enforce the last three laws passed.

Another time Lou pointed out that he, Wiggum and Eddie were the entire police force. There was also a time in the town's history where the police duties were handed over from the Springfield Police Department over to a private security company called SpringShield , which was run by Homer with the help of his friends Lenny and Carl who did a far better job. Most organized crime in town is controlled by mob boss Fat Tony , however the Yakuza are present in smaller numbers. Arts and entertainment[ edit ] The Aztec Theater Springfield boasts an opera house , an outdoor amphitheater , an arboretum, a vibrant jazz scene, and was mentioned as the entertainment capital of its state. There is also an unusually high number of museums , including Springfield Natural History Museum (which features the world's largest cubic zirconia), Springfield Knowledgeum , Springsonian Museum , Springfield Wax Museum , the Springfield Palace of Fine Arts , the Museum of Swordfish and a stamp museum . Springfield once had a concert hall , but it was closed down after the first two measures of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and turned into the Montgomery Burns State Penitentiary. Springfield has two movie theatres: the Aztec Theater and the Springfield Googolplex Theatres .

It also has a drive-in theater and a dinner theater . Religion[ edit ] The first church of Springfield. Religion and faith plays a large role in Springfieldian society. The largest church community appears to be the First Church of Springfield , a Presbylutheran church headed by Reverend Timothy Lovejoy, Jr. . There is also a synagogue (led by Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky ), a mosque, a Catholic church (The Notre Dame of Springfield), an Episcopal church (with vibrating pews), a crystal cathedral, the Cathedral of the Downtown, and a Buddhist temple. Apu, a Hindu, has a statue of the god Ganesh in the Kwik-E-Mart . Once, many Springfieldians joined a cult known as Movementarianism , but soon left after it was revealed as a fraud. [18] According to Reverend Lovejoy, there is also an alliance of people who split off from the Presbyterians to worship an Inanimate Carbon Rod. [9] Lenny Leonard, Carl Carlson and Lisa Simpson are practicing Buddhists.

There is also a Stonecutters Lodge (currently re-named as "The Ancient Society of No-Homers"), of which practically every male in the city (minus Homer Simpson) is a member. The town government is secular. In 1963, a law was passed which banned praying on city property. Another episode featured a convict who was imprisoned for erecting a nativity scene on city property. Superintendent Chalmers fired new Principal Ned Flanders when he overhears him saying "thank the Lord" over the PA system. [19] Sports[ edit ] There are a number of sports teams and sports arenas: the Springfield Isotopes , a baseball team (which once threatened to move to Albuquerque , New Mexico ), the Springfield Speedway, a monster truck rally (featuring Truckasaurus), the Springfield Atoms football team, the Springfield Stun arena football team, the Springfield Ice-O-topes hockey team, the Association of Springfield Semi-Pro Boxers, and a dog track . It also use to have a bull fighting ring. There was also once the Mr. Burns Basketball Stadium which was neglected and subsequently converted into a colossal Bee Hive. Springfield curling team managed to get to the Vancouver Winter Olympics and win gold.

Economy[ edit ] The Springfield Nuclear Power Plant Springfield's main employer Springfield's economy, although at one time "on the GROW!" and rich to the point that the streets were literally paved with gold, is now floundering. Some heavy industry remains in the town, including factories for Ah! Fudge chocolate, Southern Cracker, fireworks, candy, and boxes, as well as a steel mill. Many Springfieldians are employed by the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant . Major industries include nuclear power, heavy manufacturing, Duff Beer , and retail. Many of Springfield's stores are located in the Springfield Mall . Springfield tried to improve their economy by legalizing gay marriage and gambling. At one point, Springfield's Economy hit an all time low and was suggested to be even worse than Detroit's economic failure, resulting in the halting of roadkill pickups, significantly reducing the amount of school time, releasing of low level criminals, and said criminals allowed to commit low-level crimes due to the Police lacking the resources and funding to enforce them.

[20] Government[ edit ] Mayor Joe Quimby The current mayor of Springfield is Joe Quimby, a sleazy womanizing politician whose served at least 5 consecutive terms as mayor unopposed, he once admitted to using the town treasury to fund the murder of his enemies. He was briefly thrown out in favor of Sideshow Bob , but was later re-instated when Bob was impeached for electoral fraud. His post was threatened by a recall election, but none of the new candidates gained enough of the vote to oust him since the lead candidate who was most voted for was disqualified from the election. When the mayor briefly skipped town due to missing lottery funds, the town's MENSA chapter (Lisa Simpson, Dr. Hibbert, Lindsey Naegle, Comic Book Guy and Prof. Frink) technocracy took over. They changed clocks to metric time, eliminated the green lights from stoplights, and put the city on the top 300 US cities. It was 299th, above East Saint Louis, Illinois. [21] In the United States House of Representatives, Springfield was represented by Congressman Bob Arnold, who was later expelled for taking bribes.

Horace Wilcox is stated to have been congressman since 1933. [22] After Wilcox's death, Krusty the Clown runs for Congress as a Republican, and wins. He is still seen as a representative. [23] Laws, statutes, and propositions[ edit ] Gambling is legal in Springfield, as is gay marriage, [24] trade in children and fishing with dynamite. For a brief time, prohibition was brought back ("spirituous beverages are hereby prohibited in Springfield under penalty of catapult"). [25] An unusual law from 200 years prior dictates that all ducks must wear long pants. As is with many other towns there are a number of unusual and outdated statutes in Springfield and its town charter, including "the chief constable shall receive one pig every month and two comely lasses of virtue true," "it is illegal to mail threatening letters and to put squirrels down your pants for the purposes of gambling," and "five kicks of the same can shall be considered illegally transporting litter." [26] The Town Charter also stated that Springfield's mayor, after election, cannot be removed from office... except by a recall election.

Proposition 24, which would deport all illegal immigrants from Springfield, passed with 95% of the public's support, [27] but was overruled at some point. Marge and her family successfully lobbied to get Proposition 242, a "Families Come First" grassroots voter initiative, passed. Health and education[ edit ] Springfield Elementary School There are quite a number of public and private schools in Springfield, including two elementary schools ( Springfield Elementary School & East Springfield Elementary School ), junior high school, high school and The Enriched Learning Center for Gifted Children . There are also a number of colleges, including Springfield A&M, Krusty's Clown College, [28] the University of Springfield, and the unfortunately named Springfield Heights Institute of Technology. A full list of education institutions in Springfield can be found here . Springfield has many museums, such as the Springfield Museum of Natural History and the Springfield Knowledgeum . It has a library and an observatory. Springfield has at least one dog obedience school. Springfield is known to have at least two hospitals- Springfield General Hospital and the rarely seen Springfield Veteran's Hospital which is described to be the worst of the two hospitals.

[29] Transportation[ edit ] Several highways run through Springfield, including the Michael Jackson Expressway (Interstate Route 401, formerly the Dalai Lama Expressway), [30] the uncompleted Matlock Expressway, [31] Interstate 95, Route 202, Route 88 (goes through Nelson Muntz's neighborhood) and Rural Route 9. There is also a railroad, and an abandoned aqueduct. A Springfield Monorail existed for a very brief time before it was shut down after a disastrous maiden voyage. [16] It has a street called Main Street which used to have a lot of potholes. [16] The city bus service provides public transit on the route 22 bus on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and the 22A bus on Tuesday and Thursday. Springfield International Airport Springfield International Airport is the airport that serves Springfield. It has scheduled flights around the US and several other countries including France, Israel, China, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. There was once a subway line in Springfield, but it is currently abandoned, most likely because the moving train was capable of causing ground tremors above.

[32] A cable-car line was seen in a couple of occasions. Non-canon[ edit ] The contents of this article or section are considered to be non-canon and therefore may not have actually happened or existed. Springfield has been an explorable area in many video games based on The Simpsons. However, each game features a different layout. The Simpsons Road Rage[ edit ] In The Simpsons Road Rage Springfield is split into six different regions: Evergreen Terrace , Entertainment District , Springfield Dam , Nuclear Power Plant , Downtown and Springfield Mountains . The map used in the game's HUD shows how all the regions are connected. Map used in the HUD Map used in the HUD (labelled) The Simpsons: Hit and Run[ edit ] In The Simpsons: Hit and Run Springfield is split into three regions, however it isn't shown where they are located in relation to each other. The first region, used in levels one, four and seven, is the residential district with other major establishments such as the Elementary School and the Nuclear Power Plant . The second region, used in levels two and five, is Downtown which includes locations such as Moe's Tavern and the town Hall . The third region, used in levels three and six, is located near the ocean.

It includes areas such as the Springfield Squidport and the Springfield Dam .

Question: In 'The Simsons', what is the name of Springfield's baseball team who play their home games at 'Duff Stadium'?
Answer: 'SPRINGFIELD ISOTOPES'